Portable Variable Volume Paint Spray Enclosure and Air Scrubber; Method for Constructing a Paint Spray Enclosure and Air Scrubber

ABSTRACT

A portable variable volume paint spray enclosure or booth includes a frame assembled from longitudinal members and detachable clamps. The clamps secure together adjacent ends of the longitudinal members. The paint spray enclosure further includes a flexible cover disposed upon the frame such that a relatively air tight enclosure having a predetermined configuration is formed. The assembled frame and flexible cover extend from grade level to a predetermined elevation to encase an object to be painted. The paint spray enclosure also includes an air flow input apparatus for allowing air flow into the enclosure, and an air extraction apparatus/air scrubber for removing air from the enclosure, such that air mixed with vaporized paint inside the enclosure is removed from the enclosure before the paint vapor and air combine to form an explosive mixture, thereby preventing an explosion and/or fire from occurring inside the enclosure, and preventing operators from being exposed to harmful fumes. The air scrubber removes the paint vapor from the air as the combination exits the enclosure, thereby allowing only “clean” air back into the atmosphere.

This is an Automobile Divisional Utility Application based on Utilityapplication Ser. No. 16/034,640 filed Jul. 13, 2018, which is based onProvisional Application No. 62/604,644 filed Jul. 13, 2017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to device and process for providing a portablevariable volume paint spray enclosure or booth that includes an aircirculation fan and/or an air scrubber for removing particles andflammable/explosive vapors generated during the painting of objects in adefined space.

2. Background of the Prior Art

Prior art portable paint spray enclosures and in particular, paint spraybooths, with exhaust fans are available on the internet and throughmultiple manufacturers. These spray booths are available in a myriad ofsizes and configurations. The problem with these prior art paintbooth-fan exhaust devices and methods are that their dimensions andconfigurations are fixed and therefore have limited use for applicationrequirements that include but not limited to relatively small planes,automobiles, boats, pipes and other irregularly configured anddimensioned objects.

Further, prior art portable paint spray booths do not include airscrubber exhaust devices for removing particulate matter, paint vaporsand other flammable and/or explosive gases that can cause injury anddeath to users of spray paint enclosures. Devices are required thatprovide a method for constructing a paint spray enclosure that canencase and conform to the configuration of any object requiringpainting, such that air flows urged through the enclosure engage allportions of the object being painted, thereby removing dangerousparticulate matter and vapors from the enclosure and directing thematter and gases though an air scrubber filtering system that returnsrelatively clean air to the atmosphere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a portable,variable volume paint spray device and method that prevents internalexplosions and that removes particulate matter and paint vapors from airexiting an enclosure where the painting occurs. A feature of the deviceand method is an enclosure that can be configured and dimensioned toconform to the periphery of any object requiring painting. Anotherfeature of the device and method is that the enclosure can be re-usedfor painting another object having different configurations anddimensions than the previously painted object. Still another feature ofthe device and method is that the enclosure is secured to an aircirculation device that includes “air scrubbing” capability. Anadvantage of the device and method is that a minimum number of membersneed be purchased for constructing an enclosure to paint a predeterminedobject. Another advantage of the device and method is that all purchasedmembers can be reused for configuring and dimensioning another object topaint. Still another advantage of the device and method is that the airscrubber can be used for another enclosure if the original air scrubbercan provide sufficient air flow throughout the reconfigured enclosure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air scrubberdevice that includes only filter and fan assemblies. A feature of thedevice and method is an air scrubber having an air filter attached to anenclosure and a fan assembly with the fan assembly secured to a trailerthat can be hitched to a vehicle. Another feature of the device andmethod is that the air filter and fan assembly can be disposed adjacentto a painting worksite without an enclosure being used when a relativelysmall object is being painted. An advantage of the device and method isthat time and money is saved by not having to construct and enclosure.Another advantage is that safety and health conditions are maintainedfor ambient air exposed to paint fumes and particulate matter.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an airscrubber device that includes a tractor trailer truck having multiplefans connected to one side of the trailer, a plurality of air filtersconnected to an opposite side of the trailer, and an enclosure forpainting predetermined objects connected to an opposite side of theplurality of filters. A feature of the air scrubber device is that asmany trailers as necessary to maintain air flow through the enclosurecan be provided. An advantage of the air scrubber device is that themultiple fans connected to the one side of the trailer can be hauledinside the trailer to a worksite where the painting occurs, therebysaving time and money, and providing a safe work environment in aminimal amount of time.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an airscrubber device that includes an enclosed hauling truck for painting amyriad of objects including cars and smaller objects. A feature of thedevice is a paint room that receives air circulation urged through aplurality of air filters forming one side of a paint room in the truck,the air circulation being directed into and out of the truck via one ormore fans secured inside the paint room or secured inside an adjacentutility room also inside the truck. An advantage of the air scrubberdevice is that the fans and filters are hauled by the truck with thetruck acting as the painting enclosure via the paint room, therebyproviding mobility and safety for painting a preselected object andeliminating the temporary construction of an enclosure, resulting intime and money being saved when driving a truck acting as both a paintbooth and air scrubber to distant work sites.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention, as wellas details of an illustrative embodiment thereof, will be understoodfrom the following detailed description and attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a left front perspective view of a portable variable volumepaint spray booth with an airplane therein, and an air extraction fanproviding air flow into the spray booth in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a top elevation view of the spray booth of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is back elevation view of the spray booth of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the spray booth of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is the front perspective view of FIG. 1, but with added air flowwithin the spray booth.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of FIG. 5, but with a second bank of airfilters added and the air discharge tube removed.

FIG. 6 is a right perspective view of FIG. 1, but with air blockingcovers added.

FIG. 6A is a left side perspective view of FIG. 6, but with the secondbank of exhaust filters and second funnel chamber of FIG. 5A included.

FIG. 7 is the right perspective view of FIG. 6 depicting air flow intoand through the spray booth with air blocking covers added.

FIG. 8 is a right perspective view of a mid-portion of FIG. 6 providinga reduced volume spray booth for painting objects smaller than anairplane.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the air extraction fan of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9A is a perspective and side view of the air extraction tan of FIG.1, but with the fan assembly acting as an air scrubber for the particlesand fumes generated by a painter.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the fan of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10A is an opposite end perspective view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the air extraction fan of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the air extraction fan of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an alternative portable variablevolume paint spray booth/air scrubber that includes portable flansremovably secured to a trailer pulled by a truck in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the paint spray booth of FIG. 13, but with onlythe fans, truck and trailer depicted.

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a backend elevation view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 a backend elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 16, but with theback doors removed and a fan-motor assembly depicted inside the trailerin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 19 is the backend elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 18, butwith the fan-motor assembly slidably removed from the trailer when aside door of the trailer is opened.

FIG. 20 is the backend elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 19, butwith the trailer acting as the paint booth/air scrubber, therebynegating the variable paint booth structure of FIG. 13.

FIG. 21 is the backend elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 20, butwith the fan-motor assembly secured to the bottom of the trailer.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a water tower surrounded by a structurefor supporting a canopy (not depicted) that receives forced airthroughout the canopy via a suction truck trailer disposed at the baseof the water tower in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the truck trailer and a connection member for“sucking” air from a canopy for painting the water tower.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative portable variable volumepaint spray booth for painting automobiles in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the paint spray booth of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a side wall light fixture for the paintspray booth of FIG. 24 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 27 is side elevation view of the light fixture of FIG. 26 with anextended framework for stabilizing the light fixture.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the light fixture of FIG. 27, but with theframework retracted.

FIG. 29 is a front elevation view of the light fixture of FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a back perspective view of a trailer paint spray booth/airscrubber for painting automobiles in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 32 is a back elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is right side cut-away view of the trailer of FIG. 31 depictingthe internal rooms of the trailer.

FIG. 34 is a top cut-away view of the trailer of FIG. 31 depicting theinternal rooms of the trailer.

FIG. 35 is a back perspective view of a trailer paint spraybooth/scrubber for painting relatively small objects in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 36 is a back elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a top cut-away view of the trailer of FIG. 35 depicting theinternal rooms of the trailer.

FIG. 38 is a front left side perspective view of the trailer of FIG. 35.

FIG. 39 is a front right side perspective view of the trailer of FIG.35.

FIG. 40 is a left side elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 38.

FIG. 41 is a right side elevation view of the trailer of FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the airplane and enclosure of FIG. 1coupled to the trailer paint spray booth/air scrubber of FIGS. 35-41 inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the airplane and enclosure of FIG. 42detached from the trailer paint spray booth/air scrubber of FIGS. 35-41.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-6, aportable variable volume paint spray booth for objects of any size orconfiguration in accordance with the present invention is denoted asnumeral 10 with an airplane 12 (not included in the present invention)included therein for illustrative purposes. The paint spray booth 10includes a frame 14 assembled from longitudinal members 16 having apredetermined length and detachable clamps 18. The clamps 18 (well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art) secure together adjacent ends 20of the longitudinal members 16. A flexible cover 21 is disposed upon theframe 14 such that a relatively air tight enclosure 22 is provided. Theenclosure 22 includes a predetermined configuration that extends fromgrade level 24 to a predetermined elevation that encases an object,including an airplane 12 to be painted. The assembled frame 14 and theflexible cover 21 that form the enclosure 22 includes a configurationwith dimensions corresponding to the configuration and dimensions of theobject or airplane 12 to be painted inside the enclosure 22.

The paint spray booth 10 further includes an airflow input apparatus 26for allowing air flow (represented by arrows 23) into the enclosure 22,and an air extraction apparatus 28 for removing air from the enclosure22, whereby air mixed with vaporized paint inside the enclosure 22 isremoved from the enclosure 22 before a paint vapor and air mixture risesabove a predetermined low level explosion setpoint corresponding to thepaint vapor and air mixture, thereby preventing an explosion and/or firefrom occurring inside the enclosure 22, and preventing an operatorworking inside the enclosure 22 from being exposed to harmful fumes anddust when painting an object or the airplane 12.

The enclosure 22 of the portable variable volume paint spray enclosure10 includes a volume substantially about twenty percent greater than thevolume of the airplane 12 being painted inside the enclosure, therebyoptimizing air flow for paint vapor removal from the enclosure 22. Thelongitudinal members 16 of the enclosure 22 include tubing, pipe, rods,conduits, angle iron, channels and combinations thereof havinglongitudinal dimensions substantially about ten feet and lateraldimensions substantially about two inches. The flexible cover 21 of theenclosure 22 includes polyethylene plastic such as visqueen, and/orplastic sheets, and/or flame retardant shrink wrap, and/or combinationsthereof. The air input apparatus 26 includes apertures 30 having airinlet filters 32 (substantially about twenty inches square and wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art) that cover the apertures 30to form a relatively large input filter array 33 to provide a relativelylarge quantity of airflow 23 at atmospheric pressure into the enclosure22, resulting in a relatively large quantity of airflow at vacuumpressure flowing through the enclosure 22 until the airflow is forciblyremoved from the enclosure 22 via the air extraction apparatus 28.

The air extraction apparatus 28 includes a fan 34 driven by an electricmotor 36 that cooperate to remove air from the enclosure 22 such that anegative pressure is present inside the enclosure 22. The motor 36 issecured to a top portion of the fan 34, and the fan 34 is secured to atrailer 60 (see page 4, lines 6-17, and FIG. 10) to enable the fan-motorassembly to be driven to a site selected for assembling the spray booth10, or any worksite requiring a fan-motor assembly to provide airflowpursuant to the worksite's specifications, which can include but notlimited to dust removal from construction sites, harmful and/orexplosive vapor removal from fabrication shops, and urging fresh airinto mines and/or enclosures to supply workers therein.

The air removed from the enclosure 22 is urged through exhaust filters40 (well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, which includes airscrubbers) secured to an enlarged air receiving end 42 of a funnelchamber 38 secured to a suction end 44 of the fan 34. The air exhaustfilters 40 remove paint particles and other particulate matter thatwould otherwise escape from the enclosure 22 and create health problemsfor the public. The exhaust filters 40 are disposed proximate to an airdischarge end 46 of the fan 34. The motorized fan 34 extracts air fromthe enclosure 22 at a rate substantially about one hundred cubic feetper minute, resulting in a relatively small vacuum or negative airpressure inside the enclosure 22, the negative air pressurecorresponding to dirt or particle buildup upon the filters 40. FIGS. 1-3depict an air discharge tube 68 attached to the air exhaust or dischargeend 46 of the fan 34 such that exhaust air 70 from the enclosure 22 iselevated to a predetermined elevation above grade level 24 to preventpaint vapors and dust exiting the enclosure 22 from engaging pedestriansproximate to the discharge end 46 of the fan 34.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of FIG. 5 and depicts a second bank ofexhaust filters 40A secured between the enclosure 22 and a second funnelchamber 38A to be used when relatively high levels of paint fumes aregenerated inside the enclosure 22. FIG. 6A is left side perspective viewof FIG. 6 but with the second bank of exhaust filters 40A and secondfunnel chamber 38A of figure SA included. The combination of the exhaustfilters 40 and fan 34 (see FIG. 9A), result in an air extractionapparatus 28 that acts as an air scrubber 28 for removing particles andpaint fumes 59 generated by a user 55 painting an object 53. The exhaustair 61 from the air scrubber 28 is ultimately returned to theatmosphere. The resulting transportable air scrubber 28 can be usedindependently of the enclosure 22 for removing particulates and paintfumes generated by project sites at distant locations from a storagelocation of the air scrubber 28. The air scrubber 28 is transported toproject sites via a trailer portion 60, and if required, an airdischarge tube 68 can be separated from the air scrubber 28 and hauledwith the air scrubber 28 to a project site.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exploded view of the portable variable volumepaint spray booth 10 is depicted with the enclosure having a backportion 48 illustrated and a front portion 50 (see FIG. 1) removed. Theconfiguration and dimensions of the back portion 48 with the frontportion 50 removed allows the airplane 12 to be disposed inside the backportion 48 such that the wings 52 of the plane 12 are within a laterallyenlarged mid-portion 54 of the enclosure 22. The front portion 50 isultimately constructed and joined to the back portion 48, therebycompleting the enclosure about the airplane 12. Alternatively, only theframe 14 of the back portion 48 is constructed to allow the airplane 12to be disposed inside the back portion 48 such that the wings 52 areunder the mid-portion 54 of the frame 14, whereupon, the front portion50 of the frame 14 is constructed and secured to the back portion 48followed with the cover 21 disposed upon the completed frame 14 toconstruct the enclosure 22 about the airplane 12. After the airplane 12is painted, the cover 21 is removed followed by the detachment of thefront portion 50 from the back portion 48, whereupon, the plane 12 isremoved from the back portion 48 followed with the disassembly of theback portion 48.

The air inlet filters 32 that are secured in the apertures 30 of FIG. 1can be replaced by relatively larger air inlet filters 39 that fit uponcorresponding groups of apertures 30 depicted in FIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 5, the airflow into the enclosure 22, represented by arrows 23,circulates about the airplane 12 and through the enclosure 22 asrepresented by arrows 35 and ultimately mixes with paint vapors and dust(not depicted) and becomes “dirty air”; whereupon, the dirty air isextracted from the enclosure 22 and through the air exhaust filters 40via the air extraction apparatus 28 and is discharged to the atmosphereas “cleaned air” 70.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the enclosure 22 of FIG. 1 is depicted, butwith air blocking covers 41 disposed proximate to corresponding portionsof air inlet filters 32 selected to be covered, thereby preventingairflow from entering the enclosure 22 via the covered portions 41,resulting in airflow 35 through substantially a half of the enclosure 22that corresponds to a half portion of the airplane 12 selected forpainting. To maintain airflow 35 in a selected half portion of theenclosure 22, a “curtain” (not depicted) is installed inside theenclosure 22 such that the half portion of the airplane 12 selected forpainting is substantially isolated from the half portion of the airplane12 to prevent the isolated half portion from receiving any paint.

Referring to FIG. 8, the enlarged mid-portion 54 of the enclosure 22 ofFIG. 4 is depicted separately from the back and front portions 48 and 50of the enclosure 22 to illustrate the variable configurations that thespray booth 10 can assume. In FIG. 7, the mid-portion 54 is sized andconfigured to allow an individual 55 to paint objects smaller than anairplane 12, including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles,furniture and other relatively small objects.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, the fan 34 of the air extraction apparatus 28includes a cylindrical plenum or shroud 56 having a relatively smoothinterior. The suction end 44 of the fan 34 is secured to a reduced end58 of the funnel chamber 38, which also has a relatively smooth interior57, thereby increasing the volume of air removed from the enclosure persecond of time via a relatively small but high torque electric motor 36.The motor 36 is mounted on top of the shroud 56 out of the air stream ofthe fan 34, and the shroud 56 is mounted upon a mobile trailer 60 (seeFIG. 10) via angled mounting members 61, and vertical and horizontalchannels 62 and 64, thereby enabling the extraction apparatus 28 to bemoved via a road vehicle to a predetermined site for painting anairplane 12 or any other object. The exhaust filters 40 are secured tothe enlarged air receiving end 42 of the funnel chamber 38 via a filterframe or housing 66. The filter frame 66 is bolted to the enlarged airreceiving end 42 and the exhaust filters 40 are secured to the filterframe 66 via bolts (not depicted) or similar securing members.

Referring to FIGS. 13-17, an alternative portable variable volume paintspray booth for painting any object 12, large or small, includingairplanes, cars and trucks, is denoted as numeral 80. The alternativepaint spray booth 80 includes an enclosure 82 having a substantiallycubic configuration with a substantially square configured top wall 84with a surface area relatively larger than the top surface areas of theairplane 12. The enclosure further includes substantially rectangularconfigured side walls 86 having a vertical elevation relatively higherthan a top wall 88 of a truck trailer 90 disposed adjacent andlongitudinally parallel to a front wall 92 of the enclosure 82. Thefront wall 92 includes an upper aperture 94 in an upper portion of thefront wall 92, the upper aperture 94 providing ingress for outsideatmospheric air 100 into the enclosure 82. The front wall 92 furtherincludes a lower aperture 95 in a lower portion of the front wall 92,the lower aperture 95 providing egress for air at a vacuum pressureinside the enclosure 82. A canopy 96 extends at a downward angle from anedge 98 of the top wall 84 of the enclosure 82 until engaging the topwall 88 of the truck trailer 90. The canopy 96 prevents rain, snow orother objects from entering the enclosure 82 via the upper aperture 94.

The upper aperture 94 provides ingress for outside atmospheric air 100urged into the enclosure 82 via motorized fans 102 disposed adjacent tothe truck trailer 90 and connected to the truck trailer 90 via trailerconnection tubes 104. The motorized fans 102 are secured to a lockablewheel base 105 for promoting movement of the fans 102 to an optimumposition relative to the truck trailer 90. Upon entering the enclosure82, the air 106 is directed about the enclosure 82 via the fans 102,whereupon, the air 106 mixes with paint vapors and the air-paint vapormixture is then urged through the lower aperture 95 in the front wall 92and through an array of filters 110 secured to an inner wall 112 of thetruck trailer 90. The filters cover an aperture 114 in the inner wall112, thereby filtering the air-paint vapor mixture urged from theenclosure 82 by the fans 102 before the air-paint vapor mixture is urgedinto the trailer 90 and through air discharge tubes 108 and to theatmosphere, resulting in relatively “clean” exhaust air 116 beingdischarged to the atmosphere.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a second alternative portable variablevolume paint spray booth is denoted as numeral 120. The secondalternative spray booth 120 is substantially the same as the firstalternative spray booth 80 except that the motorized fans 102 aresecured inside the trailer 90 upon a base plate 122 that is pivotallysecured to the floor 124 of the trailer 90; such that when an outsidedoor 126, pivotally secured via a hinge (not depicted) to a portion ofan outer wall 130 of the trailer 90, is pivotally moved ninety degreesfrom a vertical to a horizontal position to expose an aperture (notdepicted) in the outer wall 130, the base plate 122 (and fans 102secured to the base plate 122) is disposed (via the aperture) outsidethe trailer 90 to enable the fans 102 to direct air 100 into and air 106out of the enclosure 82, and through the filter 110 as described in thefirst alternative above. A seal fabricated from visqueen (not depicted)seals the fans 102 to the trailer 90 to optimize air circulation throughthe enclosure 82. The second alternative paint spray booth 120 isvariable in that the quantity of fans 102 can be varied to control thecorresponding airflow 106 into and airflow 116 out of the trailer 90.

Referring to FIG. 20, a third alternative portable variable volume paintspray booth is denoted as numeral 140. The third alternative spray booth140 is the same as the second alternative spray booth 120 except thatthe enclosure 82 has been removed and the internal compartment of thetrailer 90 is used as a spray booth for painting relatively smallobjects compared to the relatively large airplane enclosures 22 and 82.Further, the third alternative spray booth 140 includes a funnel chamber38 substantially similar to the funnel chamber 38 in FIG. 10 includingthe filter frame 66 and air exhaust filter 40 secured to the frame 66.The enlarged air receiving end 42 of the chamber 38 is sized to cover acorresponding aperture in the outer wall 130 of the trailer 90,resulting in the return of relatively “clean” air 116 to the atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 21, a fourth alternative portable variable volumepaint spray booth is denoted as numeral 150. The fourth alternativespray booth 150 is the same as the third alternative spray booth 140described above, except that the fourth alternative spray booth 150includes fans 102 that are rigidly secured to the trailer floor 124, andexcept that the pivoting outside door 126 is used only to expose theaperture in the outer wall 130 of the trailer 90. An air discharge end152 of the fans 102 includes air filters (not depicted) sized to coverthe aperture in the outer wall 130 of the trailer 90, thereby allowingonly clean air to be discharged to the atmosphere after ambient air 106is drawn into the trailer 90 via filters 110 and mixed with paint vaporsinside the trailer 90.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the adaptability of the present inventionis illustrated by a water tower 400 (FIG. 22), and by a uniquelyconfigured canopy support structure 410 surrounding the water tower 400to promote the safe painting of the tower 400. A trailer 90-fan assembly102 as depicted in FIG. 13 is adjacently disposed to the base of supportstructure 410. The volume of air required to be forced into 402 and outof 404 the canopy (not depicted) covered structure 410 to remove paintfumes generated within is readily calculated via means well known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. Once the volume of air and rate ofremoval of the air under the covered structure is known, the requirednumber of trailer 90-fan assemblies 102 is calculated and acorresponding number of connecting structures 420 to connect thetrailers 90 to the canopy covered structure 410 without impeding airflow can be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 24-30, an alternative portable variable volume paintspray booth for painting automobiles 200 is denoted as numeral 202. Thealternative paint spray booth for automobiles 202 includes the airextraction apparatus 28 (depicted in FIGS. 9-12 and described above)secured to an enclosure canopy 204 such that the air extractionapparatus 28 “sucks” air from an open first side 206 of the enclosurecanopy 204, through the enclosure 204 with the automobile 200 beingpainted therein, and out an opposite second side wall 208 of theenclosure 204. The spray booth 202 is formed from the canopy 204 by aplurality of top arcuately configured non-compressible structuralmembers 210 and longitudinal top lineal configured non-compressiblestructural members detachably secured between adjacent and parallel topmembers 210. In place of a longitudinal lineal structural member, acable 211 can be used to provide support for a canopy enclosure 204“draped” upon all structural members to form the portable variablevolume paint spray booth 202. The arcuately configured structuralmembers 210 are detachably secured to respective horizontal and verticalstructural members 212 and 214 that ultimately form third and fourthside walls 207 and 209 for the enclosure canopy 204.

All structural members are fabricated from metal and preferably fromlightweight aluminum to promote faster assembly of the spray booth 202.The structural members cooperate dimensionally to provide a space insidethe enclosure canopy 204 that promotes efficient painting of the vehicle200 therein and removes a potentially explosive “paint atmosphere” fromthe inside of the canopy 204 in a minimum amount of time. The distancebetween the vehicle 200 in the enclosure canopy 204 and the walls andceiling of the enclosure 204 is substantially three feet to enable auser to freely move about a vehicle 200 being painted. To enable a userof the spray booth 202 to construct the enclosure 204 in a minimumamount of time, and/or to enable a spray booth 202 to be used for amyriad of vehicles with varying dimensions, all structural members 210,212 and 214 are longitudinally extendable to attain the three feet ofuser space. The extending or reducing the longitudinal dimensions of thestructural members 210, 212 and 214 can be achieved via means well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art.

The paint spray booth 202 further includes a plurality of explosionproof lights 216 (well known to those of ordinary skill in the art)detachably secured to the top structural members 210 and/or 211 insidethe canopy 204, and a plurality of explosion proof lights 218 (wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art) detachably secured to sidewall horizontal and vertical structural members 212 and 214. All lights216 and 218 are powered by 120 VAC or less, which is provided byextension cords.

The side wall explosion proof lights 218 are constructed such that thelights can be vertically disposed inside the enclosure canopy 204 anddetachably secured via wires or similar means to adjacently andvertically disposed structural support members 214. Alternatively, thepreferred location for the side wall explosion proof lights 218 is inthe side walls detachably secured to the horizontal and verticalstructural members 212 and 214 as depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23. The sidewall explosion proof lights 218 include one or more lights 220detachably secured to a light fixture 222 having a longitudinallyextendable framework 224 pivotally connected to an upper portion 226 ofthe fixture 222 such that the light fixture 222 is maintained in asubstantially vertical position when a bottom portion 228 of theframework 224 is horizontally separated from the light fixture 222, thenlongitudinally extended to engage a ground portion, therebysimultaneously maintaining the vertical position of the light fixture222 and stabilizing structural integrity of the side walls of the spraybooth 202.

Referring to FIGS. 31-34, a trailer paint spray booth for paintingautomobiles (not depicted) is denoted as numeral 250. The trailer paintspray booth 250 is sized for a predetermined group of automobiles andincludes air extraction apparatus 252 (similar to the air extractionapparatus 28 depicted in FIGS. 9-12 and described above) secured to afloor portion 254 in a utility room 256 of the trailer paint booth 250.The utility room 256 is accessible by operating personnel via a door 259to enable inspections of the equipment therein. The air extractionapparatus 252 is disposed adjacent to a plurality of inlet filters 258(well known to those of ordinary skill in the art) forming an inner wall260 that separates the utility room 256 from a paint room 262. The inletfilters 258 supply a relatively large quantity of airflow at atmosphericpressure into the inlet side of the air extraction apparatus 252 in theutility room 256, resulting in a relatively large quantity of airflow atvacuum pressure flowing through the enclosure paint room 262 that“pulls” paint fumes in the airflow until the air and paint fumes exitthe enclosure trailer 250 via a fan portion 263 of the air extractionapparatus 252, thereby urging air and paint fumes out a discharge port264 connected to the exhaust of the air extraction apparatus 252, thedischarge port 264 extending thought the roof 266 of the trailer 250.

The trailer paint spray booth 250 further includes a retractable ramp268 for allowing an automobile to enter the paint room 262, multipleexplosion proof light fixtures 270 secured to the inner ceiling 272 andinner side walls 274 that form the paint room 262, a generator 276 forproviding power to a motor drive 277 for the fan portion 263, lightfixtures 270 and a motor drive 278 for a compressor supplying air to apressurized air storage tank 280. The air tank 280 supplies pneumatictools for painting a vehicle once inside the trailer paint spray booth250.

Referring to FIGS. 35-41, a trailer paint spray booth for paintingrelatively small objects is denoted as numeral 300. The trailer paintspray booth 300 includes two air extraction fan 301 motor 302combinations elevated and secured to the floor 304 of a paint room 303of the spray booth 300 by steel “legs” 305, such that both fan dischargeports are adjacently disposed with cooperatively sized aperture 306 in afirst side wall 308 of the booth 300. The apertures 306 include portcovers 307 to prevent rain and dust from entering the paint room 303when the fans 301 are not operating. A second side wall 310 of the booth300 includes a plurality of air filters 312 that allow air flow into thepaint room 303 when the fan-motor combinations 302 are operating toremove paint fumes from the paint room 303 when objects are beingpainted therein.

The trailer paint spray booth 300 further includes a utility room 314containing a generator 316 for providing power to the fan motors 302,light fixtures (not depicted) and a motor drive 318 for a compressor 320supplying air to a pressurized air storage tank 322. The air tank 322provides pressurized air to pneumatic tools for painting objects insidethe trailer paint spray booth 300. An access door 324 allows an operatorto step from the paint room 303 into the utility room 314 to energizethe equipment therein. A retractable ramp 326 allows a user of the booth300 to deposit objects in the paint room 303; whereupon, the port covers307 are opened, the motors 302 are energized and the access door 324 andramp 326 are closed, thereby allowing air flow only through the filters312 that combines with paint fumes in the paint room 313 to ultimatelybe extracted via the extraction fans 301 to prevent an explosiveair-paint fume combination from occurring in the paint room 303.

Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, the airplane 12 and enclosure 14 of FIG. 1are depicted connected to and separated from the trailer paint spraybooth 300 in FIGS. 35-41. The construction of the trailer paint spraybooth 300 enables the booth 300 to function as an air scrubber. Morespecifically, the paint spray booth and air scrubber 300, after beingsized to provide a predetermined air flow, can be connected to anyenclosure varying in size and configuration, or can act as a standaloneair scrubber after being by a user as illustrated in FIG. 9A.

The foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only and isnot intended to limit the scope of protection accorded this invention.The scope of protection is to be measured by the following claims, whichshould be interpreted as broadly as the inventive contribution permits.

1. A method for painting automobiles, said method comprising the stepsof: configuring and dimensioning a portable variable volume paint spraybooth corresponding to the configuration and dimensions of an automobileto be painted inside said paint spray booth, said configuration anddimensions of said paint spray booth preventing engagement between saidpaint spray booth and the automobile, and resulting in a paint spraybooth volume about twenty percent greater than the volume of theautomobile to be painted therein; assembling a frame formed from topstructural members and side wall lighting fixtures detachably secured tosaid top structural members, said assembled frame corresponding to theconfiguration and dimensions of the automobile to be painted, said sidewall lighting fixtures having longitudinally extendable frameworkpivotally connected to an upper portion of said lighting fixtures,whereby said side wall lighting fixtures are maintained in asubstantially vertical position when a bottom portion of said frameworkis horizontally separated from said side wall lighting fixtures, saidside wall lighting fixtures extendable framework being longitudinallyextended to engage a ground portion, thereby simultaneously maintainingthe vertical position of said side wall light fixtures and stabilizingthe structural integrity of said assembled frame formed via said sidewall lighting fixtures supporting said top structural members; disposinga flexible cover upon said assembled frame and securing said flexiblecover to said top structural members and said side wall lightingfixtures via detachable clamps, said flexible cover being sized toengage said assembled frame and a selected ground surface, whereby anopening is provided for allowing airflow into said disposed flexiblecover; installing selected lights detachably secured within said sidewall lighting fixtures, said side wall lighting fixtures supporting saidtop structural members and said flexible cover disposed upon said frame,said selected lights illuminating the interior of said paint spray boothand the automobile being painted therein; providing an aperture in saidflexible cover for allowing airflow to escape said disposed flexiblecover; and providing an air extraction apparatus for removing air fromsaid assembled portable variable volume paint spray booth, whereby airmixed with vaporized paint inside said paint spray booth is removed fromsaid paint spray booth before a paint vapor and air mixture rises abovea predetermined low level explosion setpoint corresponding to the paintvapor and air mixture, thereby preventing an explosion and/or fire fromoccurring inside said paint spray booth, and preventing an operatorworking inside said paint spray booth from being exposed to harmfulfumes and dust when painting an automobile.
 2. The method for paintingautomobiles of claim 1 wherein said step of assembling a frame includesthe step of assembling a frame from longitudinal members having apredetermined length.
 3. The method for painting automobiles of claim 2wherein said step of assembling a frame includes the step of providingtubing, pipe, rods, conduits, angle iron, channels and combinationsthereof.
 4. The method for painting automobiles of claim 2 wherein saidstep of providing a flexible cover fabricated from visqueen, plasticsheets, flame retardant shrink wrap and combinations thereof.
 5. Themethod for painting automobiles of claim 2 wherein said step ofproviding said airflow input apparatus includes the step of providing atleast one air inlet aperture in said flexible cover.
 6. The method forpainting automobiles of claim 2 wherein said step of providing an airextraction apparatus for removing air from said portable variable volumepaint spray booth flexible cover includes the steps of providing an airoutlet filter covering said air outlet aperture; and providing an airextraction fan assembly, whereby, air containing paint vapors and dustis extracted from said paint spray booth.
 7. The method for paintingautomobiles of claim 6 wherein said step of extracting air from saidpaint spray booth includes the step of extracting air at a rate aboutone hundred cubic feet per minute, resulting in a vacuum air pressureinside said paint spray booth.
 8. The method for painting automobiles ofclaim 1 wherein said step of providing a flexible cover includes thestep of extending said flexible cover from grade level to apredetermined elevation that encases the automobile to be painted. 9.The method for painting airplanes of claim 1 wherein said step ofproviding an air extraction apparatus includes the step of providing afan operated by an electric motor.
 10. The method for painting airplanesof claim 9 wherein said step of providing an air extraction apparatusincludes the step of providing a trailer with wheels and a frame forsupporting said fan assembly and a motor.
 11. The method for paintingautomobiles of claim 1 wherein said step of providing an air extractionapparatus for removing air from said portable variable volume paintspray booth via said air outlet aperture in said flexible cover includesthe step of providing a trailer spray booth having a paint room sized toprovide a predetermined air flow and having multiple air inlet apertureswith an air inlet filter covering each air inlet aperture, said trailerspray booth having at least one air discharge aperture with a pivotingcover for preventing rain and dust from entering said paint room whenair is not being extracted from said trailer spray booth; and afan-motor combination disposed adjacent to said at least one airdischarge aperture for extracting air from said trailer spray booth. 12.The method for painting automobiles of claim 11 wherein said step ofproviding a trailer spray booth includes the step of providing a trailerspray booth having a utility room containing a generator for providingpower for said fan-motor combination, and for light fixtures and acompressor supplying air for pressurizing an air tank supplyingpressurized air to pneumatic tools when painting objects inside saidpaint room of said paint spray booth.
 13. The method for paintingautomobiles of claim 1 wherein said step of providing an air extractionapparatus for removing air from said portable variable volume paintspray booth via said air outlet aperture in said flexible cover,includes the step of providing a trailer spray booth having a paint roomsized to provide a predetermined air flow via an open end wall, andhaving multiple air outlet apertures in a wall opposite said end wallthat direct airflow through corresponding air filters into a utilityroom having an air extraction apparatus secured to a floor portion insaid utility room, said air extraction apparatus including a motor drivesecured to a top portion of a fan portion that urges air from the paintroom, through the outlet apertures and air filters, and out of saidutility room via a discharge port.
 14. The method for paintingautomobiles of claim 13 wherein said step of providing a trailer spraybooth includes the step of providing a trailer spray booth having apaint room with explosion proof light fixtures secured in inner sidewalls and inner ceiling portions; and providing a trailer spray boothhaving a utility room with a generator for providing power to said motordrive and for a compressor supplying air to a pressurized air storagetank that supplies pressurized air to pneumatic tools for paint objectsinside said paint room of said paint spray booth.
 15. A method forpainting objects varying in configuration and dimensions, said methodcomprising the steps of: configuring and dimensioning a portablevariable volume paint spray booth corresponding to the configuration anddimensions of an object to be painted inside said paint spray booth,said configuration and dimensions of said paint spray booth preventingengagement between said paint spray booth and the object to be painted,and resulting in a paint spray booth volume about twenty percent greaterthan the volume of the object to be painted therein; assembling a frameformed from top structural members and side wall lighting fixturesdetachably secured to said top structural members, said assembled framecorresponding to the configuration and dimensions of the object to bepainted, said side wall lighting fixtures having longitudinallyextendable framework pivotally connected to an upper portion of saidlighting fixtures, whereby said side wall lighting fixtures aremaintained in a substantially vertical position when a bottom portion ofsaid framework is horizontally separated from said side wall lightingfixtures, said side wall lighting fixtures extendable framework beinglongitudinally extended to engage a ground portion, therebysimultaneously maintaining the vertical position of said side wall lightfixtures and stabilizing the structural integrity of said assembledframe formed via said side wall lighting fixtures supporting said topstructural members; disposing a flexible cover upon said assembled frameand securing said flexible cover to said top structural members and saidside wall lighting fixtures via detachable clamps, said flexible coverbeing sized to engage said assembled frame and a selected groundsurface; installing selected lights detachably secured within said sidewall lighting fixtures, said side wall lighting fixtures supporting saidtop structural members and said flexible cover disposed upon said frame,said selected lights illuminating the interior of said paint spray boothand the object being painted therein; providing an air inlet aperture insaid flexible cover for allowing airflow into said portable variablevolume paint spray booth; providing an air outlet aperture in saidflexible cover for allowing airflow to escape said portable variablevolume paint spray booth; and providing an air extraction apparatus forremoving air from said disposed flexible cover via said air outletaperture, whereby air mixed with vaporized paint inside said paint spraybooth is removed from said paint spray booth before a paint vapor andair mixture rises above a predetermined low level explosion setpointcorresponding to the paint vapor and air mixture, thereby preventing anexplosion and/or fire from occurring inside said paint spray booth, andpreventing an operator working inside said paint spray booth from beingexposed to harmful fumes and dust when painting an object.
 16. Themethod for painting automobiles of claim 15 wherein said step ofproviding an air extraction apparatus for removing air from saidportable variable volume paint spray booth via said air outlet aperturein said flexible cover, includes the step of providing a trailer spraybooth having a paint room sized to provide a predetermined air flow andhaving multiple air inlet apertures with an air inlet filter coveringeach air inlet aperture, said trailer spray booth having at least oneair discharge aperture with a pivoting cover for preventing rain anddust from entering said paint room when air is not being extracted fromsaid trailer spray booth; and providing a fan-motor combination disposedadjacent to said at least one air discharge aperture for extracting airfrom said trailer spray booth.
 17. The method for painting automobilesof claim 15 wherein said step of providing a trailer spray booth,includes the step of providing a trailer spray booth having a utilityroom containing a generator for providing power for said fan-motorcombination, and for light fixtures and a compressor supplying air forpressurizing an air tank supplying pressurized air to pneumatic toolswhen painting objects inside said paint room of said paint spray booth.18. The method for painting objects of claim 15 wherein said step ofproviding an air extraction apparatus for removing air from saidportable variable volume paint spray booth via said air outlet aperturein said flexible cover, includes the step of providing a trailer spraybooth having a paint room sized to provide a predetermined air flow viaan open end wall, and having multiple air outlet apertures in a wallopposite said end wall that direct airflow through corresponding airfilters into a utility room having an air extraction apparatus securedto a floor portion in said utility room, said air extraction apparatusincluding a motor drive secured to a top portion of a fan portion thaturges air from the paint room, through the outlet apertures and airfilters, and out of said utility room via a discharge port.
 19. Themethod for painting objects of claim 15 wherein said step of providingan air extraction apparatus for removing air from said portable variablevolume paint spray booth via said air outlet aperture in said flexiblecover, includes the step of providing a trailer spray booth having apaint room with explosion proof light fixtures secured in inner sidewalls and inner ceiling portions.
 20. The method for painting objects ofclaim 19 wherein said step of providing a trailer spray booth having apaint room with explosion proof light fixtures, includes the step ofproviding a trailer spray booth having a utility room with a generatorfor providing power to said motor drive and for a compressor supplyingair to a pressurized air storage tank that supplies pressurized air topneumatic tools for painting objects inside said paint room of saidpaint spray booth.